How to Caramelize Strawberries

Zora Hughes

About the Author:

Zora Hughes

Based in Los Angeles, Zora Hughes has been writing travel, parenting, cooking and relationship articles since 2010. Her work includes writing city profiles for Groupon. She also writes screenplays and won the S. Randolph Playwriting Award in 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in television writing/producing and a Master of Arts Management in entertainment media management, both from Columbia College.

Start with firm strawberries for caramelizing, as it will soften them significantly.
(Image: ArtHdesign/iStock/Getty Images)

Caramelizing takes plain strawberries and intensifies their sweetness, covering them with a buttery sugar glaze ideal for strawberry-topped desserts. Caramelizing involves heating sugar until it it liquefies into a golden brown glaze, but can be done in different ways, depending on what you are preparing. When it comes to fruit such as strawberries, the basic process involves sauteing them with butter and brown sugar in a skillet, leaving them with a shiny, caramelized layer. You can also incorporate other ingredients to infuse the strawberries with other flavors. Enjoy them with desserts like ice cream or, for breakfast, French toast.

Step 1

Wash the strawberries under running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut off the stems of the strawberries and slice each one in half on a clean cutting board with a sharp knife.

Step 2

Add enough butter to a large skillet to fully coat the bottom. Melt it over medium-high heat on the stove.

Step 3

Add the strawberries in a single layer, tossing to coat them fully in the butter. Sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top of the strawberries.

Step 4

Stir the strawberries occasionally as they cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they are softened and brown sugar has melted on the strawberries. Transfer them to a platter and enjoy as is or as topping for pancakes or French toast.

Things You'll Need

Paper towels

Sharp knife

Cutting board

Skillet

Butter

Brown sugar

Tip

Add additional flavoring as you see fit when you add the butter, such cinnamon, nutmeg or a flavored liqueur.